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Although falls often feel like random missteps, they typically don’t come out of nowhere. When your fall happened because of preventable hazards on someone else’s property, it’s crucial to understand the specifics of your situation. Even though “slip and fall” and “trip and fall” accidents may seem similar, they involve different circumstances and cause different injuries. Recognizing these distinctions is essential for building a strong case and securing the compensation you need to recover. In this blog post, we’ll compare and contrast these two types of accidents and explain what victims need to know about their legal rights in either...

A car accident only takes an instant to upend your life. After the physical, emotional, and financial stress of a crash, many accident victims are relieved to finally reach a settlement for the compensation they need to get their lives back on track. However, after signing the release, new anxieties often appear. At this point, many of our clients turn to us and ask: How long to get settlement check after signing release? When you’re facing months of medical bills, lost wages, and expensive vehicle repairs, it’s understandable to be concerned about when you’ll receive these much-needed funds.  This article...

One moment, you’re walking without a care in the world, and the next, you’re on the ground, injured and unsure of what to do next. If you’ve suffered from a slip and fall accident, you deserve more than just answers—you deserve a powerful advocate on your side to handle your slip and fall lawsuit. At Merrick Brock PLLC, John Merrick and Les Brock bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to your case. Having spent decades defending large insurance companies and corporations, Merrick Brock PLLC now focuses on advocating for individuals and families who have suffered due to someone else’s...

Imagine driving through a familiar intersection when another car slams into your side. The shock of the impact is overwhelming, and in that moment, you realize how easily a broadside collision, or T-bone crash, can turn your life upside down. Where do broadside collisions most commonly occur? In Virginia, these types of accidents happen more often than you might think, and they tend to occur in specific high-risk areas that pose significant dangers to drivers. At Merrick Brock PLLC, we understand the impact these accidents can have on victims and their families. If you’ve been involved in a broadside collision, our...

Imagine cruising down the road when the driver in front slams on their brakes out of nowhere without warning. Your heart races, your tires screech, and you barely avoid a collision. This reckless act is known as brake checking. Is brake checking illegal? Yes, and it’s dangerous.   Brake checking is more than a moment of road rage. It’s a hazardous driving behavior that can lead to serious accidents, hefty penalties, and complex legal battles over liability. But what exactly makes brake checking illegal, and how can it affect your rights if you’re involved in an incident? At Merrick Brock PLLC,...

You’re cruising down the road in Virginia and approaching an intersection. A car approaches next to you, and you’re left wondering: Who’s supposed to go first? It’s a moment of hesitation we’ve all faced, and it can be confusing if you’re unsure about the rules. But here’s the thing: the right of way rules are more than just a rule—it’s a matter of safety. Knowing who should go first in any situation could help you avoid accidents, keep your insurance rates down, and drive more confidently. At Merrick Brock PLLC, we have decades of legal experience. When understanding traffic laws,...

We understand the impact a personal injury can have on your life and the lives of your loved ones. It’s not just about the immediate pain and disruption—it’s also about securing your future against long-term financial and emotional consequences. That’s why searching for the best personal injury lawyers in Virginia is important. At Merrick Brock, PLLC, we offer a blend of personal touch, extensive defense experience, and unwavering accessibility. When you call us, you communicate directly with our seasoned attorneys. Our commitment to personal service and readiness for trial set us apart. We focus on being your advocates rather than...

A car accident can leave you overwhelmed and uncertain about your next steps. Knowing what to do after a car accident is essential to protecting your rights, health, and financial well-being. At Merrick Brock PLLC, we have decades of experience assisting car accident victims in Virginia. We are committed to guiding clients through the complexities of the aftermath and fighting for the compensation they deserve. If you’re unsure about your next steps, this guide will provide a comprehensive overview of what to do after a car accident and how we can help. How Merrick Brock PLLC Can Help You At...

— By John Merrick — Mediators are wedded primarily to one thing and one thing only: the deal. They do not care about saving the insurance company money. They do not care about putting more money in the pocket of the plaintiff. They do not care about the amount of the settlement. (And they should not care about any of these things) A mediator’s goal is to find out – usually without asking directly – how much one side will pay and how much the other side will accept. Then, the mediator attempts to bring the parties to that figure...

—By John Merrick — Mediation works when everyone participates in good faith. Good faith requires extensive preparation, recognition of risks and acknowledgment of weaknesses (at least internally). At worst, mediation forces everyone to focus on the potential for settlement at the same time. This triggers conversations (reports) that may otherwise not occur.  The defense attorney and insurance adjuster carefully review pre-mediation reports and update their settlement evaluations and potential verdict range. The plaintiff’s attorney reviews the strengths and weakness of the case, costs, benefits and risks of trial (versus the certainty of settlement) with the client. The mediator uses his...